Shopping Trips In the Sunshine State
When it comes to shopping, Florida offers not only great variety, but also sunshine and warmth year-round! So, while you enjoy your shopping trip, you can also enjoy being out in the sun. Walk a quaint historic neighborhood to find unique shops and boutiques, or stroll through a luxurious outdoor mall with top brands - the choice is yours! Just be sure to bring some extra, empty suitcases on your trip so you can bring home all the goodies you find!
The Panhandle
Excitement reigns on the Emerald Coast, a beautiful beachfront destination full of wondrous attractions and natural beauty. Its variety of offerings is part of its allure, and also why it makes such a fascinating shopping destination. In Downtown Fort Walton Beach, the Arts & Entertainment District welcomes you to unique boutiques, restaurants, and regular art walks. Enjoy soaking in the sun as you peruse the district, and perhaps stop for a bite to eat along the way. A short drive away, The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is ideal for beach-loving shoppers, located right off the sands and the Gulf waves, and offering specialty stores perfect for picking up souvenirs. HarborWalk Village, adjacent to the magnificent Emerald Grande resort, overlooks the scenic Destin Harbor and has a fun vibe full of waterfront shops and restaurants. There are also places to arrange a cruise, should the mood strike you!
downtownfwb.com
theboardwalkoi.com
emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village
Not that you needed another reason so visit the beautiful Panama City Beach, but they have some of the greatest shopping in the state - particularly if you’re looking for shabby chic home decor or coastal-style furnishings. Follow the Coastal Design Emporium Trail (also known as “Decor by the Shore”) to discover a collection of charming local shops wherein you can spend the day searching for your favorite home decor treasures. One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Panama City Beach is Pier Park, a complete shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located right on the Gulf of Mexico. This colorful outdoor complex boasts 124 stores, ranging from clothing for the whole family to home goods, shoes and jewelry.
visitpanamacitybeach.com
pierpark.com
Beautiful, peaceful, and archaically romantic, the area of Apalachicola Bay is amazing for all kinds of unique shopping discoveries. Riverside Mercantile (850-653-2512) in Downtown Apalachicola is an electric shop of vendors who offer vintage finds, handmade jewelry, home decor, candles, ornaments, and even delicious Tupelo honey. Art lovers should certainly visit the Sea Oats Gallery, which provides art with a focus on local artists and craftspeople. For the modern mermaid, Riverlily includes beauty collections from all over the world, as well as beautiful, vintage style jewelry, and more for your beach beauty needs.
downtownapalachicola.com
forgottencoastart.com
theriverlily.com/apalachicola
The Gulf Coast
Always an adventurous place thanks to its colorful past full of pirates (a different kind of shopper!) Tampa Bay welcomes you to your next journey of retail exploration. Its diverse neighborhoods, each with their own unique vibe, create different shopping atmospheres for the buyer who likes variety. Hyde Park Village is an outdoor lifestyle center, with a unique and advantageous mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Plus, there’s The Hyppo popsicle shop, where you can refresh yourself with real fruit flavors.
hydeparkvillage.com
St. Petersburg is a special place to take a sunny shopping trip. Downtown St. Petersburg sports a grid design that makes it easy to navigate from shop to shop, with plenty of eateries and bars to stop in at along the way. Central Ave. will take you on a retail journey from the heart of downtown all the way to the bay, and just a couple of blocks over you’ll find Sundial St. Pete. This shopping, dining, and entertainment center includes a special collection of shops such as White House Black Market, Lululemon Showroom, Tommy Bahama, Florida Jean Company and more. If you're looking for a unique spa experience, look no further than the Marilyn Monroe Glamour Room and The Shave Cave. If it's a great bite to eat you're craving, the Sundial will definitely satisfy your taste buds.
discoverdowntown.com
sundialstpete.com
Just a short drive away from downtown St. Pete is St. Pete Beach, where you’ll find Johns Pass Village. With more than 100 retailers, restaurants and attractions, your visit here can easily turn into a full day of fun. Shop for classic Florida souvenirs in the tin-roofed village, enjoy seafood and casual fare al fresco, and hit the boardwalk for a view of (or ride on) the water – fishing charters, water sports rentals and cruise boats await. Village retailers specialize in all things Florida (picture surf shops, coastal art and island apparel). Stock up on souvenirs and don’t leave without saying hello to the folks at Florida Winery – they’ll offer you a complimentary taste of their wines crafted with Florida citrus and berries.
johnspassvillage.net
Just over the bridge from downtown Sarasota is Lido Key, and St. Armand’s Circle, a sophisticated outdoor dining and shopping area with distinct European flair just a short walk from the beach. As you make your way around the Circle, you will notice the variety of stores and eateries. Pop into an art gallery to examine magnificent pieces by local artisans, enjoy popular fashion brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Sperry Topsider, and search through specialty shops for gifts like Tervis and home goods. Grab a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone as you shop, or enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants; and don’t miss out on delicious seafood dishes at spots like Surf Shack and Daiquiri Deck. In the center of the Circle, there are often exciting events going on!
starmandscircleassoc.com
A shopper’s paradise awaits you on none other than the Paradise Coast, which has all kinds of shopping adventures just waiting for you! Naples is an icon of living the luxe lifestyle in Florida, and its retail offerings reflect that. Fifth Avenue South, one of the area’s most elite addresses, stretches from Tamiami Trail to the Gulf of Mexico, and offers upscale fashion, gifts, artwork, cuisine, and entertainment. Over 30 restaurants and pubs offer delicious meals and even live entertainment. There are even shops specifically for your furry friend, like For Footed Friends.
fifthavenuesouth.com
forfootedfriends.com
Central Florida
A charming little historic getaway in the heart of the Sunshine State, Winter Park is perfect for a day of relaxing retail therapy. The downtown area is full of beautiful specialty shops and boutiques, with outdoor cafes offering respite for your tired feet (that is, until you get your second wind). Park Avenue is the city’s shopping, dining and cultural gem, with more than 140 boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and museums, all in the shadow of oak-canopied Central Park. Over on New England Avenue is the flagship store for Rifle Paper Co., filled with stationery, greeting cards, planners, calendars, and just about every beautiful paper product you can imagine.
winterpark.org
riflepaperco.com
The Atlantic Coast
Especially perfect for the eclectic shopper, St. Augustine has a thrilling mix of antiques, boutiques, fashion, art, and more. Housed in the old Alcazar hotel, Murphy & Co. Ltd. (904-823-9119) has a wide selection of antiques in a picturesque environment. Vintage fashion aficionados should pay a visit to The Way We Were Vintage Boutique for clothings and accessories. Being a coastal town, St. Augustine also had great beach gear and outfits. Pit Surf Shop has all of your surfing equipment, plus surf lessons available. Island Beachwear has a huge selection of everything from swim suits and cover-ups to flip-flops and boogie boards.
thewaywewerevintage.com
thepitsurfshop.com
islandbeachwearstaugustine.com
Known around the world for its surfing locations, it’s no surprise that the Space Coast offers many awesome surf shops, including the world’s largest: Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, with 52,000 square feet of merchandise that stretch from floor to ceiling - you have to see it to believe it! They also offer surf and paddle rentals. For a more traditional shopping experience, you will be excited to hear that the Space Coast has not one, but three historic downtown areas located in Titusville, Cocoa Village, and Melbourne, all of which are ideal for finding the perfect boutique, gift shop, or eatery. There are two malls, one on Merritt Island and one in Melbourne. The Avenues in Viera is an open-air shopping destination, ideal for getting fresh air and sunshine while you shop. Art lovers must take a stroll around the colorful Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne, which not only offers great art shopping, but also colorful murals to enjoy along the way.
ronjonsurfshop.com
avenueviera.com
egadlife.com
For some true Fort Lauderdale flavor, head downtown to Las Olas Boulevard. Translated "the waves" in Spanish, Las Olas Blvd. is known as Greater Fort Lauderdale's "style mile," lined with independently owned boutiques, a restaurant row with acclaimed chefs, and lively lounges and cafés with sidewalk seating. Las Olas also a major stop along Greater Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi system. Stroll the Boulevard, ducking in and out of stores and breezeways, and enjoy this historic shopping destination that has been in place since the 1900s when the Boulevard was just a dirt road!
lasolasboulevard.com
Perhaps one of the ritziest shopping districts in Miami can be found here at Bal Harbour Shops. You’ll actually often see celebrities shopping here! This glamorous mall built in a unique, multi-level, open-air style is packed with major designers, such as Chanel, Chloe, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and many more luxury lover’s faves. Bal Harbour also hosts a variety of events throughout the year that you won’t want to miss. As magical as it is shoppable, The Falls is located in South Miami. You won't want to miss walking the path winding through the waterfalls (hence the name "The Falls") at this outdoor mall. Come take a stroll and experience all of the mid-range stores this center for shopping in Miami has to offer, like Gap, Macy’s, Loft and more.
balharbourshops.com
simon.com/mall/the-falls
The Florida Keys
The Keys are so colorful and vivid, that shopping here is a wondrous experience, and many enjoy antiquing along the string of islands. Are you looking for some awesome antiques and collectable items to pep up your home decor? From Keys Castaway Antiques (305-451-1141) in Key Largo to Island Antiques (305-294-0029) in Key West, the Keys have you covered. Unsurprisingly, this area is inspiration to a great many artists - which means you can find one-of-a-kind pieces in galleries throughout the islands, like the Lobster Trap Art Gift Shop and Gallery in Islamorada or the Artists in Paradise Gallery in Big Pine Key.
lobstertrapart.com
artistsinparadise.com
Duval Street, Key West’s main shopping thoroughfare, has 14 blocks of fine art galleries, clothing and gift stores and boutiques. Skin care manufacturer Key West Aloe, born on the island, formulates hundreds of skin and body products; Graffitti, celebrating 30 years on Duval Street, sells casual men’s clothing, accessories, beach towels and water-related gear; art lovers can explore Gingerbread Square Gallery, located on upper Duval Street in a Victorian structure overlooking a courtyard. Don’t miss other local offerings like the flavors of Key West First Legal Rum Distillery on Simonton Street, with packaged rum to take home to friends, and SALT Island Provisions, a purveyor of handcrafted, locally sourced treats such as savory salts and sweet wild honey.
duvalstreet.net
More Shopping Trips
Welcome to the Gulf Coast’s premiere shopping, dining, and entertainment center at the Gulf Coast Town Center in beautiful Fort Myers. Find everything you’re looking for with their ideal array of shopping choices — from fantastic fashion and accessories to specialty shops and even stores stocking the necessities. This is a great place to enjoy a great meal or a refreshing drink whether you’re replenishing your shopping energy or going out on a date!
gulfcoasttowncenter.com
The Loop is more than an outdoor shopping center in Kissimmee. This 440,000 sq. ft. shopping destination has a variety of retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater for you and your family! Enjoy your favorite brands, from Justice and American Eagle for the kids to Old Navy, PolkaDotz, Pier1, and Michael’s for adults. Work up an appetite and stop by Chili’s, Pienezza, Ben & Jerry’s, and more. Catch a movie with the family at Regal Cinemas.
experiencetheloop.com
